Tennis is a sport that everyone can play, and Janel Woerner, programs director of the San Antonio Tennis Association (SATA), is providing the opportunity of adaptive tennis to disabled players across the city.

This past year, SATA, along with the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), hosted four different Special Olympics/Adaptive Tennis events, bringing tennis into the lives of more than 750 young tennis players. The largest program took place in May 2013 at McFarlin Tennis Center, where local volunteers helped teach basic tennis skills to 264 area children.

SATA plans to continue its efforts with Special Olympics/Adaptive programming going forward and expects to host the same four events this spring.

“SAISD is fortunate to have a group of women, including Debra Blackwood and Maelynne Pease, who continue this adaptive sport with the tennis association and create opportunities for these children to have fun while being active,” said Woerner.

Also thriving are events offered to adults overcoming disabilities. Since November 2012, SATA has provided weekly, monthly and quarterly events specifically for Wounded Warriors and Adaptive Tennis players who are wheelchair bound or disabled in some way. Averaging 20 to 25 players, seven to 10 in wheelchairs, each week, the program has become a great way to interact with San Antonio’s large military community.

“This programming is so important because it gives the Warriors the opportunity to enjoy activities they enjoyed prior to their injuries and adjust to their ‘new normal,'" said Jennifer Weatherford, San Antonio’s Military Adaptive Sports Coordinator. “It’s not just about the sport and physical activity, it’s about getting out there to have fun and build new relationships with people in similar situations.”

SATA also organized the tennis tournament format for the Texas Regional Games for Paralympic athletes, April 11-14, 2013. In addition to running the tournament, SATA also provided drinks, snacks, equipment and balls.

“As a CTA of San Antonio, this is part of our mission statement, and we can’t wait to be involved in even more than what we currently are doing,” said Woerner. “We know much of that is due to our dedicated volunteers.”

SATA is hopeful that these programs will continue to grow and allow people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in a sport that truly is accessible to anyone.

The USTA National Adaptive Tennis Committee would like to know more about your programs, people and events. This gives recognition to the great work you’re doing and inspires others to provide similar services. Contact us now!